(St. Charles, Illinois) January 16, 2025—In its landmark 10th annual Luggage of Love fundraiser, Apex CPAs & Consultants proudly announced raising $50,000 to support children in the Kane County foster care system. This remarkable milestone reflects the ongoing generosity of Apex clients, friends, and community members, who have consistently rallied around the campaign since its inception in 2015. Apex Managing Partner James Chakires and his wife Jessie, who co-founded Luggage of Love, presented the donations to Jim Di Ciaula, Executive Director of CASA Kane County.

2024 marked another successful year for Luggage of Love, bringing the campaign’s decade-long fundraising total to over $333,000. Every dollar and donation received goes directly to CASA Kane County to help children experiencing the hardships of foster care.

The donations included new suitcases filled with essential items like blankets, toiletries, clothing, and books, along with cash contributions to provide further support. These efforts ensure children entering foster care can carry their belongings with dignity, rather than resorting to plastic trash bags—a common, yet dehumanizing, practice.

“After ten years of this campaign, the mission of Luggage of Love remains as important as ever,” said James Chakires. “Every child deserves a sense of dignity and security, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. Thanks to our incredible community, we’ve been able to continue making a difference for children right here in Kane County.”

“We are deeply grateful for Apex’s unwavering support and for the generosity of everyone involved in Luggage of Love,” said Jim Di Ciaula, Executive Director of CASA Kane County. “These funds and donations go far beyond material goods; they represent hope and compassion for children who need it most.”

CASA Kane County, a Guardian ad Litem nonprofit, supports over 572 children each year through advocacy and assistance in abuse, neglect, and private guardianship cases. Volunteers from the organization dedicate their efforts to ensuring every child’s needs are represented in court and beyond.

About Apex CPAs & Consultants, Inc.
Apex CPAs & Consultants, Inc., is an innovative accounting, tax, and advisory services firm focused on the overall well-being of growth-minded business owners. Apex is a licensed CPA firm headquartered in St. Charles, IL, with offices in Scottsdale, AZ. For more information, visit https://apexcpas.com/.

About CASA Kane County
CASA Kane County is a Guardian ad Litem nonprofit volunteer organization advocating for the best interests of children in abuse, neglect, and private guardianship cases within the Juvenile Court system. For more information, visit http://www.casakanecounty.org/.